A former old maid schoolmarm, current homeschool mom to three precious Texans, and a sinner saved by grace! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/skeen/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:01:00 -0500 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:01:00 -0500 I was introduced to the Mini-Office when I read Sue Patrick's Workbox System A User's Guide.  Visit her site to learn more! Directions for Making Mini-Offices from abcteachpdf with photos http://www.abcteach.com/free/m/minioffice_directions.pdf More from abc teach (mostly for site members) http://www.abcteach.com/directory/teaching_extras/mini_offices/   Here are some links to some examples http://homeschoolcreations.blogspot.com/2008/07/mini-office-lapbook.html   http://www.squidoo.com/minioffice   Mini Offices Page at Teaching Heart (with examples, photos, free printables, etc!) http://www.teachingheart.net/minioffice.html 5th grade Mini-Office http://www.shadow-earth.com/?p=16 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/skeen/735213/ Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:01:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/skeen/735213/ Difference between Notebooking & Lapbooking according to http://homeschoolforms.com/archives/homeschooling/differences-between-notebooking-and-lapbooking  according to http://www.squidoo.com/lapbooking-vs-notebooking "Lapbooking Versus Notebooking"   Notebooking/Scrapbooking to Learn - "Scrapbooking to Learn is a phrase from Heart of Wisdom Unit Studies. They suggests using Scrapbooking methods as a creative outlet for school work." http://homeschoolinformation.com/Articles/portfilios.htm http://scrapbooktolearn.ning.com/   Binderized! Using notebooking in the homeschool By Mrs. Cindy Rushton http://www.homeschooltimes.com/ezine/artiicles/Binderized.html http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/skeen/735210/ Sun, 11 Oct 2009 12:42:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/skeen/735210/ Lap Book is a trademark owned by Mike and Tammy Duby of Tobin's Lab www.tobinslab.com "Originally designed using paper manipulatives taught by Dinah Zike (see the Big Book of Books and the Big Book of Projects), lap books have been fine tuned and explained in depth by Tami Duby in her book The Ultimate Lap Book™ Handbook." What is a lapbook - Lapbook Ladies http://lapbookladies.com/what_is_a_lb.htm  "How to" photos!  Links, free stuff, etc!http://www.myhomeschoolplace.com/jennifererix/blog/2007/08/15/lapbook_how_to_photos Lapbooks (or Lap Books™) Links!http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/teacherslounge/lapbooks.php FREE Lapbooks! "This is a Christian-Run site for Free Lapbooks and Lapbook Video Lessons! You'll find quick and easy tips for making your Lapbook experience more enjoyable for your children. Watch our Lapbook video's and learn how to make your own Lapbook templates and books, print our Free Lapbooks or make your own!" http://www.lapbooklessons.com/index.html I made the Bible game for the Fruits of the Spirit from a link on this site: http://www.lapbooklessons.com/MiniOffice.html   Texas Lapbook http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/duckygirl/214856/ Math Lapbooking, other Math ideas http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Momof3kids/276179/ http://www.capousd.org/gwes/hudelson/math.html   Layered Lapbook http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N0X3DkXNtM&feature=related Free TEMPLATES and Lapbooks! http://www.homeschoolshare.com/lapbooking_resources.php   http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/skeen/735208/ Sun, 11 Oct 2009 12:39:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/skeen/735208/ Here are some FREE links to ONLINE MATH DRILLS and games help learn Math facts! Math U See - http://www.mathusee.com/drill.html Saxon basic facts sheets online drills - http://www.haelmedia.com/basic_fact_sheets/index.html Saxon also has Online Math Activities http://saxonhomeschool.hmhco.com/en/resources/RCResult.htm?contentId=28 and Placement Tests http://saxonhomeschool.hmhco.com/en/resources/result.htm?title=Placement  100 Addition Facts ONLINE DRILL http://www.mrmyers.org/Math_Mania/ttadd.html http://www.myschoolhouse.com/courses/O/1/8.asp Basic Facts Math Quizzes http://www.kidzone.ws/math/quiz.html Free Online Math Worksheets http://www.onlinemathlearning.com/math-worksheets.html Online Worksheets at www.aplusmath.com - gives a score and tells the correct answers Addition and Subtraction Games http://www.netrover.com/~kingskid/additionmain.htm The ArithmAttack How many computer-generated arithmetic problems can you answer in 60 seconds? Gives correct ans. http://membres.distributel.net/~redeemed7/math_drills.htm   Mad Math Minute - provides correct answer http://membres.distributel.net/~skipper/MadMath/mmm.htm  Math Drill and Practice Links http://www.mcsdk12.org/curr/Subjects/Math_Drill.htm Online Math Drills http://www.saab.org/mathdrills/md.cgi SAT Tests and Drills http://www.saab.org/saab_org.cgi King's List of On-line Math Activities http://www.k111.k12.il.us/king/math.htm Practice from Harcourt "That's a Fact" - timed, can view missed problems http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/thats_a_fact/english_4_6.html GAMES to drill math http://www.mathsyear2000.org/games/ Add like Mad game http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/mathgames/Add%20Like%20Mad%20Math/addlikemad.htm Fruit Shoot Addition http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/mathgames/fruitshoot/fruitshoot_addition.htm This site also has other games http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/math.htm Free Instruction Video How to memorize multiplication tables using a structured drill http://www.homeschoolmath.net/teaching/md/oral_drilling.php Here are some more math links to online games http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/skeen/656765// http://www.aplusmath.com/Worksheets/OnlineAddition.html www.aplusmath.com also has flashcards and games Math Trainer is cool because you "Get in some serious addition training. Responds to your answers ... so it will train your weaknesses. Use 3 sessions of 5 minutes each per day for best results. Train yourself to REMEMBER, don't count. " http://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/math-trainer-addition.html  http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/skeen/722811/ Tue, 1 Sep 2009 08:45:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/skeen/722811/ Tips to learn spelling words: From 1st grade teacher http://www.freewebs .com/epp43/ spellingspot. htm From The North Coast Institute http://www.ncistude nt.net/StudySkil ls/WritingSkills /Spelling. htm   _______________________________________________________________________________ Here is an awesome site with links (to activities, games, etc.) and tips (with pictures) to help you teach spelling in a non-traditional way. Spelling Meaningful and individualized word study that's easy for teachers http://mspowell. com/spelling. html   FREE list of the "28 Rules for English Spelling from The Riggs Institute http://www.riggsins t.org/28rules. aspx   Spelling it Right - Learn to Spell Confidently Free printable worksheets, help and advice from an experienced English teacher. Why children need to learn to spell correctly: poor spelling creates a bad impression it's the first thing a reader notices examiners, teachers, prospective employers, often place undue weight on spelling anxiety about spelling inhibits a child's writing especially their choice of words even in these days of word processors there are still times when we need to write Remembering how to spell new words (It would be useful to print this page for future reference) When you come across a new word ALWAYS use the    LOOK - THINK - COVER - WRITE - CHECK method to memorize it.   Go here for more! http://www.spelling .hemscott. net/#advice   FREE Spelling Program - also use your own personal lists from another program to play games! http://www.spelling city.com/ Quoted from the site:   SpellingCity. com has:  - Over 42,000 spelling words and ten learning games! - A REAL person who says each word and sentence. - Free home pages for teachers and parents to save lists. - How To Videos to explain to teachers and parents how to use SpellingCity. com. - A free forum and newsletter with more vocabulary and spelling resources! - Ten spelling and vocabulary games to play online or to print. - Free printables for handwriting practice with your saved lists. - A Resources Section which highlights features and existing lists for Dolch words, compound words, sound-alikes (their, there, they're), contractions, possessives, and more. After taking the online spelling test, students can print out a report, retake the entire test, or get tested only on spelling words that they got wrong the first time.  TeachMe spells and displays the word in ways that stimulate memory for visual and verbal learners. Printable Games include WordSearch, UnScramble, WhichWord?, Sentence UnScramble and MissingLetter. Printable Handwriting Worksheets for combined spelling and handwriting practice can be created from any saved list (this feature only works if the list is saved). Choices includes three sizes of lines, capitals or small letters, script or cursive, and with directional arrows on or off. How cool is that? _______________________________________________________________________________  Everyday Spelling from Scott Foresman (Grades 1-8) Check out what the public schools are teaching for spelling! This site has:   Language facts Words in the news Spelling strategies Puzzle place Writing prompts Misspelled word lists Links to: Mathsurf Texas - Free online math activities by grade level, keyed to Texas standards And much more!   From the  03-02-07 LD and ADHD Newsletter (scroll down the page to the SPELLING tab) Does your child experience difficulty with spelling? There are strategies and programs that can help improve spelling skills and give your child more confidence. _______________________________________________________________________________ Spelling Mnemonics http://gtotd. blogspot. com/2009/ 03/mnemonic- devices-for- spelling. html http://www.ict4us. com/r.kuijt/ index-spelling. htm   http://www.learning info.org/ spelling- mnemonics. htm   http://www.nathhan. com/mnemonicexam ple.htm   http://www.scribd. com/doc/7205434/ Spelling- Aids   http://www.eudesign .com/mnems/ spellaid. htm   http://www.commonly misspelledwords. org/   http://www.happychi ld.org.uk/ acc/tpr/mne/ 0012spel. htm   Articles from LD Online: Five Guidelines for Learning Spelling and Six Ways for Practicing Spelling http://www.ldonline .org/article/ 6192 From Article Brain How to Improve Your Spelling Skills http://www.articleb rain.com/ Article/How- to-Improve- Your-Spelling- Skills/434 SPELLING BEE Links Please see www.myspellit. com for the word lists and www.spellingbee. com for information on the National Spelling Bee. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/skeen/718754/ Wed, 19 Aug 2009 10:58:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/skeen/718754/ Online Resources BOOKS (Movies, too) Literature to Supplement History http://www.redshift.com/~bonajo/history.htm SONGS The "50 States that Rhyme" song and other AWESOME links http://www.mrsjones.org/songs/50states.html GAMES www.iknowthat.com The Best website for Learning the Capitals:  If you miss a question on your first try, you will be prompted on the next time around. This quiz will not end until you have successfully entered (on the first try) all fifty answers.  AND spelling counts. http://www.dartmouth.edu/~charlo/peter/geo/promptquiz/polus.shtml Timed US Geography Test of US States - Can you pass the 3rd grade?http://www.pibmug.com/files/map_test.swf NEAT SITES USA for Kids http://www.usconsulate.org.hk/pas/kids/  http://edsitement.neh.gov/ History, language arts, art & culture, literature lesson plans, searchable by grade level and subgroupings.  FREE ONLINE MOVIES Neat 10 minute movie of the geographic history of the US from the beginning of the nation to fifty states.  http://www.animatedatlas.com/movie.html Archiving Early America: Movies http://earlyamerica.com/series.html The 8 movies are: -The Ben Franklin Story -The Life of George Washington -Declaring Independence -Paul Revere, Messenger of the Revolution -The Shot Heard Around The World -The Treason of Benedict Arnold -The Real Face of George Washington -Molly Pitcher, An American Heroine CRAFTS DLTK - http://www.dltk-kids.com/searchresults.html?cx=006942297880364118670%3Amgahrcqhv0w&q=usa&cof=FORID%3A9#831 DVD RESOURCES This is America Charlie Brown Schoolhouse Rock  History Lyrics (1974) http://www.postdiluvian.org/~gilly/Schoolhouse_Rock/HTML/history/history.html http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/skeen/717386/ Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:44:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/skeen/717386/   MON Oatmeal Muffins Leftovers Chicken Fajitas   TUE Fried Eggs and Toast  Chicken Salad Sandwiches  Fried Potatoes and Onions   WED Cinnamon and Raisin Oatmeal Tuna Sandwiches Angel Hair Pasta with Marinara Sauce  THUR Scrambled Eggs and Toast Mac N Cheese Salmon Patties, Rice, Steamed Veggies    FRI Sugar-Free Carrot Muffins (Stevia) Salad Pizza   SAT Old Fashioned Oatmeal  Grilled Cheese  Dirty Brown Rice    SUN Fried Egg and Toast  BBQ Sandwiches, French Fries, Slaw Cabbage, Bacon, Onion  Menu Plan Monday is hosted by Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie visit her blog to learn more! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/skeen/687706/ Sun, 10 May 2009 12:13:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/skeen/687706/   MON Old-Fashioned Oatmeal Beef Chimichangas, Spanish Rice Steamed Veggies, Baked Potato   TUE Breakfast Burritos Semi-Homemade Corn Tortilla Chips and Vegetarian Taco Soup Cabbage with Bacon and Onions   WED Scrambled Eggs and Toast Leftovers Pinto Bean Soup and Cornbread  THUR Fruit and Toast Tuna Sandwiches, raw veggies, fruit Lasagna, Garlic Toast, Broccoli Salad   FRI Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins Canned Soup and Crackers Pizza   SAT Cinnamon and Raisin Oatmeal Tuna Sandwiches, raw veggies, fruit Chicken Tortilla Soup   SUN Fried Egg and Toast  BBQ, Baked Beans, Pasta Salad, Slaw Leftovers Menu Plan Monday is hosted by Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie visit her blog to learn more! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/skeen/685198/ Sat, 2 May 2009 10:57:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/skeen/685198/ Here are some links to help you enjoy your Flat Stanley project! You may want to go here first. The official Flat Stanley Project http://www.flatstanley.com/ LESSON PLANS Flat Stanley Lesson Plans http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/pages/309.shtml http://www.im4kidz.org/fslessonplan.html http://www.pgcps.org/~pointer/stan.html 66 Lesson Plans http://www.lessonplanet.com/search?keywords=flat+stanley&rating=3 http://trackstar.4teachers.org/trackstar/ts/viewTrack.do?number=64997 With Printables http://www.schools.pinellas.k12.fl.us/educators/tec/flatstan/flatstan.html PATTERNS Doll Pattern for making your own Flat Person http://www.makingfriends.com/f_Friends.htm Flat Stanley template http://www.flatstanley.com/template.htm F.S. Printable (outline) http://www.mrsperkins.com/files/stanley.pdf Flat Character Samples (4th Graders) http://clow.ipsd.org/academics_4_soc-flat-stanley.html http://www.midyork.org/waterville/FlatStanleyPic.html ARTICLES Making a "Flat Traveler" http://heartofthematteronline.com/flat-traveling/ "Organize a Group Flat Stanley Project" http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art24375.aspracey Legal Challenges http://www.edutopia.org/flat-stanley-pen-pals ACTIVITIES & PRINTABLES F.S. Activities Web Page http://webtech.kennesaw.edu/reading/flatstanley.htm Printable Adventure Sheet http://www.brandonsd.mb.ca/new_era/copeland/flat_stanley.htm Free Worksheets (Puzzles, etc.) http://www.abcteach.com/free/b/book_flatstanley.pdf Questions and Activities http://www.mce.k12tn.net/reading38/flat_stanley.htm Letter http://www.educationcreations.com/Samples/FLATstanleyletterpaper.pdf Journal http://www.educationcreations.com/Samples2/MyFlatStanleyJournal.pdf ART Recycle Art http://www.kid-at-art.com/htdoc/lesson71.html UNIT STUDIES Literature Unit http://www.edhelper.com/books/Flat_Stanley.htm Unit Study http://www.homeschoolshare.com/unit_flat_stanley.php MISC Digital Flat Stanley - http://www.magpi.net/programs/flatstanley.html IDEAS from teachers - http://www.proteacher.org/c/530_Flat_Stanley.html http://www.proteacher.org/a/135105_Flat_Stanley_Project.html MILITARY - Letters from Home Flat Stanley Project - http://www.lettersfromhomeprogram.org/ Forum - http://homeschoolreviews.com/forums/1/thread.aspx?id=58959 YAHOO Groups Flat Travelers Homeschool - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/flat_travelers_homeschool/ Flat Travelers - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FlatTravelers/ LINKS http://www.vrml.k12.la.us/smbodin/stanley/stanley.htm http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00000819.shtml Flat People http://primaryfamily.homestead.com/FlatPeople.html http://www.geocities.com/becmay20/flatstanley/resources.html http://www.marcias-lesson-links.com/FlatStanley2.html http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/skeen/683546/ Mon, 27 Apr 2009 20:49:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/skeen/683546/ I hardly had anything I planned to have last week!  :)  Instead, I had chicken fried rice, taco salad, red beans and rice, pizza, and burritos!  So, that explains the repeat meals this week.   MON Peanut Butter Toast Leftovers  Spaghetti, Salad, & Garlic Bread   TUE Old Fashioned Oatmeal  Mac N Cheese  Potato Soup and Crackers   WED Fried Eggs and Toast Leftovers  Bean Soup with Cornbread  THUR Old Fashioned Oatmeal Egg and Cheese Sandwiches  Beef Enchiladas with Salad   FRI Blueberry Muffins Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup  Pizza   SAT Cinnamon and Raisin Oatmeal Burritos  Pancakes, Eggs, and Sausage   SUN Fried Egg and Toast  Salmon cakes, Steamed Veggies, Rice Pilaf  Chicken Casserole Menu Plan Monday is hosted by Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie visit her blog to learn more!   http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/skeen/683352/ Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:21:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/skeen/683352/